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    Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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Question

Infant botulism: Why is honey a concern?

Is it true that honey can cause infant botulism?

Answer

from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

Yes, honey can cause infant botulism. Honey is a known source of bacterial spores that produce Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When ingested by infants, these bacteria make a toxin that can cause infant botulism, a rare and serious form of food poisoning. For this reason, infants under 12 months of age should never be fed honey.

Infant botulism affects a baby's nervous system and can result in death. Most babies with infant botulism, however, do recover. Signs and symptoms of infant botulism include:

  • Persistent constipation
  • Floppy arms, legs and neck
  • Weak cry due to muscle weakness
  • Weak sucking and poor feeding
  • Tired all the time (lethargy)
  • Difficulty breathing

Botulism spores may also be found in low-acid home-canned foods and corn syrup. For this reason, you should avoid feeding these foods to infants.

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